A Closer Look at Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a "soft” Chinese martial art primarily practiced for its health benefits and as a way dealing with tension and stress.  A Taoist monk by the name of Chang Sang Feng developed what has come to be known as Tai Chi in the 14th Century.  The practise of Tai Chi increases strength, muscle tone, flexibility and has profound effects on the overall feeling of mental, physical and spiritual well being.  Tai Chi involves soft, slow, flowing movements, a sort of "meditation in motion."  There are many movements and a single "form” can include as many as 100 different positions taking 20 minutes to perform. In china, it is not uncommon to study a single stance for one or two years to perfect it. 

Tai Chi has a basis in two important philosophical texts in China: the Tao Te Ching and the I Ching. Tai chi believes that we become ill when the flow of the chi through the body becomes blocked - Tai Chi can help to free up the flow of this energy. 

Tai Chi masters recommend that Tai Chi should be practised at the same time every day.   There are a wealth of books and videos available, but many people find that hands on tuition is useful particularly when first learning the movements. 

World Tai Chi day is held every year with events being held all over the world - An annual healing event has quietly spread across the planet. Millions worldwide have experienced the healing benefits of T'ai Chi & Qigong. People who've felt the profound stress management benefits of these ancient tools, and realize what they offer humanity, have begun to come together to share that awareness with society at large . . . and at a time when the world needs it the most. World T'ai Chi & Qigong Day brings people together worldwide across economic and geopolitical lines . . . coming together to celebrate health and healing. http://worldtaichiday.org

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